Wednesday, February 25, 2009

After a While

I seem to be straying away from book banter a bit, but ever since I went home for a visit this past weekend, I've been "reflecting" on stuff, a lot, I guess you could say. (And words, lyrics, poems fascinate me almost as much as books! :) I had kinda disturbing dream last night (the ones where you wake up and wonder why in the world your brain could possibly dream something like that, and it involved a person I would certainly not consciously chose to dream about). Anyways, as I checked a few of my favorite blogs this morning, I came across this poem that, like yesterday's song lyrics, struck me.

After A While by Veronica A. ShoffstallAfter a while you learn The subtle difference between Holding a hand and chaining a soulAnd you learn That love doesn't mean leaningAnd company doesn't always mean security.

And you begin to learnThat kisses aren't contractsAnd presents aren't promisesAnd you begin to accept your defeatsWith your head up and your eyes aheadWith the grace of woman,Not the grief of a child

And you learnTo build all your roads on today Because tomorrow's ground isToo uncertain for plans And futures have a wayOf falling down in mid-flight.

After a while you learn That even sunshine burns If you get too much So you plant your own garden And decorate your own soul Instead of waiting for someoneTo bring you flowers.

And you learn that you really can endureYou really are strong You really do have worth And you learnAnd you learn With every goodbye, you learn.